A little note of thanks from a friend

Back when I was a senior in college, I did an independent study on Bluegrass Music in music and movies, as well as the hillbilly influence. I was fortunate to interview several folks who went on to win many IBMA awards, Grammys, and more. One of those was Ralph Stanley, with many thanks to James Alan Shelton for setting up that interview 14 years ago. It was right during the success of the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?" and bluegrass music was gaining popularity more than ever.  

That interview with Ralph Stanley led to multiple papers and presentations.  I sent James a copy of the paper and he sent back a signed cover sheet signed by everyone in the band. He also sent this post it note. I came across it today while going through some things. It made me smile because he was always friendly to everyone he met. He would also send me a Christmas card each year. We lost James Alan Shelton a couple of years ago, but I know many of us remember his kindness.

Today, spread a little bit of kindness towards someone, whether it be the cashier, a coworker, or a family member.  We could all use a little bit of sunshine in this world that we live in today.  You can make a difference in someone's life.

A college memory thanks to Dr. Ralph Stanley

It is hard to believe that bluegrass music legend, Dr. Ralph Stanley, is 88 years old today.  A couple of years ago he said that he was going to retire, but he is still up on the stage singing when he can.  He also just released a new album via Cracker Barrel.

Back when I was a student at Berea College, I did several research papers and an independent study on bluegrass music.  One of those papers was on the marketing influence of bluegrass music in movies and television.  It was right at the time that 'O Brother Where Art Thou' was popular.  I was fortunate to get to interview Ralph Stanley during that time.

One of those research papers and presentations were for my Women in African American Music.  The assignment was to pick a singer and a song and how it related to African American music.  My choice was Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless singing "Pretty Polly."  I tied it in with the banjo coming from Africa and the musical style of AABB.  Thanks to James Alan Shelton, who played guitar for Ralph for many years until his passing, I was able to get all of the band members to sign my cover page of my research paper.

For the presentation, I wore a pair of bib overalls and took off my shoes to be barefoot.  I didn't even think of my introduction until minutes beforehand.  There I stood nervously in front of the music teacher and fellow students as I sang a few lines of Alabama's "Mountain Music."  I spoke about the stereotype of bluegrass music listener and the musical style.  I later described the history of Ralph Stanley, his legacy, and music.

The teacher was a tough one needless to say, and I was very nervous as to what my grade would be on my paper and presentation.  I was surprised when I received the paper with my grades.  I received an A+ on both my paper and presentation due to the extra work in getting the interview with Ralph.  As for my singing, she said it was a nice touch.  (I think she was just being nice. haha)

One day I hope to make it over to the Ralph Stanley Museum & Musical Heritage Center in Virginia.  Just place that on my Bucket List.

Happy birthday Ralph Stanley.  Thank YOU for the wonderful memories over the years!

Remembering Little Jimmy Dickens

My Grand Ole Opry Memory - Meeting Little Jimmy Dickens

Yesterday, not just country music, but the music community as a whole lost a legend.  It is without a doubt that a lot of folks can share their own story or two of Little Jimmy Dickens.  The Grand Ole Opry star passed away at the age of 94 years old.  I have been a fan of his for many years and was fortunate to have met him.

The first time I saw Little Jimmy Dickens, I was on the front row and center of the Grand Ole Opry House for an Opry performance in 2005.  I remember him looking down and waving at me.  Yep, I had to giggle because I'm sure he was waving at someone else, but for that moment I said "Little Jimmy just waved at me!"

Little Jimmy Dickens in 2005 at the Grand Ole Opry - By Jessica Blankenship

On down the years, while visiting Nashville, I always took time to do a tour of the Opry House and take a photo of his dressing room door.  In 2011, my pal, Sunny Sweeney, invited me to be her guest for one of her performances.  I told her I would come, but only if I got to meet Little Jimmy Dickens.  Needless to say, she made it happen.  Right after her performance, we walked the halls backstage and she knocked on his door politely.  Little Jimmy Dickens gave her a hug and she said that she wanted to introduce him to a friend of hers.  I stood there absolutely speechless and for once in my life (besides meeting Dolly Parton), I had no words.  I was like a kid standing there in amazement.

Meeting Little Jimmy Dickens backstage at the Grand Ole Opry

I finally blubbered, "In all my 30 years, my only new years resolution was to meet you.  And now that dream has come true and I don't know what to do!"  He cracked up and said "well bless your heart darlin'."  Yes, Little Jimmy Dickens called me darlin'. He gave me a hug and here I was trying to compose myself and not sound like an idiot.  He asked where I was from, how did I know Sunny, and a few other things.  I let him know that I was just so thrilled to meet him. Thankfully one of my buddies had my camera and took a few photos.

We said our goodbyes and I was still on cloud 9.  At another performance of Sunny Sweeney at the Opry, we thought we would catch him, but he was heading down the hallway leaving.  I remember standing there telling her that it looked like Little Jimmy Dickens took off his country music super hero outfit of rhinestones and is now off to face the world in his plain jacket, dress shirt, and jeans.

Little Jimmy Dickens - by Jessica Blankenship

I will never forget the time my mom told me about meeting Little Jimmy Dickens.  A while back, we had an "amusement park" type deal called Tombstone Junction, just past Cumberland Falls in Corbin, KY.  A lot of entertainers would perform, from Conway Twitty to Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash.  My mom was helping out a relative sell fruit and veggies at a roadside stand on the way to Tombstone Junction.  She said that a bus pulled up one afternoon and here comes Little Jimmy Dickens off the bus.  He ends up buying a watermelon off of her.  I still crack up thinking that my momma sold a watermelon to Little Jimmy Dickens.

We will all remember his jokes, his laughter, his stories, his music, but most of all, his kindness.  Little Jimmy Dickens outlived so many in the country music world - from Hank Williams to Patsy Cline to Waylon Jennings to Johnny Cash to George Jones.  In fact, Hank Williams, Sr. was the one that gave him the nickname of "Tater."  Little Jimmy's impact on the music community will be felt for a long time and will be dearly missed on the Grand Ole Opry.

Rest in peace Little Jimmy Dickens.  

Reflecting on 2014 in country music and other matters

Hank 3 - By Jessica Blankenship

I honestly cannot believe that it is towards the end of 2014.  It has been a good year to say the least, both professionally and personally.  I have slowed down when it comes to going to concerts (I was use to going to over 40).  I was chair of the Cruisin' On Main car show here in London, Kentucky, my hometown.  That was quite an adventure, but a fun one.  I also ended up with several trips to Nashville this year for various reasons.  I joked and said that I should take up songwriting or something while I'm down there.

Some of my personal highlights of 2014 include:

• Interviewing Marty Stuart over his country music historical collection.  I even joked and asked him how does he maintain such wonderful hair.  Read that interview here.
• Seeing Sturgill Simpson captivate a room of less than 30 people at the Zanzabar in Louisville in April.  Read my recap here. It wouldn't be a month later that he is up on stage at major festivals, garnering attention of critics and music fans who proclaim that he is what country music needs.  There isn't a late night tv show that he hasn't played on (I think - need to check).  It was neat getting to talk to him as I lived in Versailles and we had several mutual friends.
• Sitting on the front row of the Ryman Auditorium during the Grand Ole Opry.  I've sat at the Grand Ole Opry House many times for the Opry.  I have been to the Ryman for other shows, but never for the Opry.  My favorite vocal group, the Oak Ridge Boys, played that night, along with Chris Janson and Lynn Anderson.  What a memorable night.
• Speaking of the Oak Ridge Boys - what a complete honor for them to mention me and my writing during their performance at Renfro Valley.  They also took the time to recognize my pal, John Herndon and his mother who was in attendance.  Go see the Oak Ridge Boys - they are WONDERFUL to see live.
• Bucket List item fulfilled - interview Hank 3.  It was one of those conversations that I had to pinch myself.  We talked over the phone for an hour and then later on, I got to meet him at his concert at Mercury Ballroom in Louisville.  Hands down, the most humble performer in the music industry and one of the nicest.  His 4 hour concert is for the pure music fan that likes country and rock.
• Being invited back to do red carpet coverage of the Unbridled Eve Derby Eve Party
• Meeting Loretta Lynn at the Loretta Lynn Ranch. Read about that here.
• Attending the WSM 89th Birthday Bash at the Grand Ole Opry.
• Seeing my friend Craig Wayne Boyd on The Voice.  He has worked for many years for success and there are a lot of folks behind him no matter what happens.

Sadly, there were several that we lost in the music industry.  One of those was my friend, James Alan Shelton, who passed away from cancer.  He was a sideman for Ralph Stanley, as well as helped manage Ralph's stuff.  I met him over a decade ago as I was a college student doing research on Ralph.  We stayed in touch over the years.  He is definitely missed.

Last week, I posted an article on Examiner about the success of country music from Kentucky.  Be sure to check out that article here. 

It will be interesting to see what 2015 will bring.  I look forward to it. Stay tune for more adventures out on the road.  Many thanks for your support.  Be sure to "like" my page over at Facebook for more Kentucky music history facts and links.

Notable items that sold during Remembering Waylon auction

Sunday afternoon, fans of Waylon Jennings watched as many of his historic items were auctioned off by Guernsey's Auctioneers.  Proceeds from the Waylon Jennings auction were to go to the Phoenix Children's Hospital.  Here are a few of the highlights of high bids.  Note that there was a 25% premium on top of the price listed below.

• Storms Never Last Bronze Bust - $6,000
• Photo collections brought in anywhere between $50 up to several hundred dollars
• Citation of achievement from Broadcast Music, Inc (BMI) given to Waylon Jennings for the theme song for the hit country comedy Dukes of Hazzard - $1900
• Several Fender Custom Shop Waylon Jennings Telecasters - $9,500 & $10,000
• Martin D28 Herringbone Guitar with Sitka spruce top. Waylon's personal guitar, used by him extensively for songwriting and for playing at home and on the road - $26,000
• Gibson Chet Atkins CE Guitar. Nylon string. Solid body guitar with piezo electric pickup. Ebony. Signed by Chet to Waylon '87 on the sound covers - $13, 000
• Fender Amps $750 - $1000
• Howard 23 Jewel pocket watch on chain. A gift from George Jones around the time Jessi and Waylon's son, Shooter Jennings, was born. $10,000
• Little Jimmy Dickens personalized cowboy hat to Jessi and Waylon - $1800
• Sunglasses - $500 - $1000
• President Andrew Jackson Hand-Carved Cane - $9,000
• "Image of the Man" Limited Edition Pencil Portrait - there were multiple listings of this portrait that brought a high of $1,900 and low of $750
• Hank Williams, Sr. boots - $8,000 (estimated value was $40,000 - $60,000)
• Muhammad Ali's Ring Robe - $5,000
• Muhammad Ali's Training Gloves - $1,500
• Willie Nelson's Braides - $25,000
• Nashville RCA Studio Statue of Nipper the dog - $3,750
• Flying W Logo used on stage $3,500
• Desk given to Waylon by Johnny Cash - $70, 000
• Original signed contract forming The Highwaymen - $18,000
• Waylon's stage chair - $2,500
• 1978 Corvette Indy Pace Car with Waylon as first owner - $30,000
• Waylon's Rolex Watch - $25,000
• Signed contract for a performance in Elizabethtown, KY - $400

Sadly - the costume that Waylon wore during the Sesame Street movie did not sell.  There were several handwritten letters and lyrics that did not sell, making me wish I had placed a bid or two!

Bringing the Honky Tonk to The Voice

I will be honest and say that I rarely watch any reality tv shows - well any tv for that matter.  Unless it is an interview, concert, or something music or car related.  Needless to say, finding out that a friend of mine would be featured on the NBC show "The Voice," I had to keep my eye out and watch it.  Several friends have tried out over the years, but this was the first time that someone made it to the tv portion of the blind auditions.

Craig Wayne Boyd appeared on The Voice last night to sing Travis Tritt and Marty Stuart's hit song, "The Whiskey Ain't Working Anymore."

I first met Craig Wayne Boyd back in 2009 via Jamey Johnson.  We kept in touch and I was fortunate to see him play several shows over the years.  We were also good friends with Wayne Mills who passed away last year.  One of my favorite memories was that Craig gathered Wayne Mills, David Adam Byrnes, Brian Davis, and more to do a showcase during fan fair one year.  By far one of the best times in Nashville that I've had with friends.

I had to dig back when I first did an interview article on Craig.  It's hard to believe it was back in 2011.  Here is a link to that article.   

One thing that has always stuck out is the fact that Craig Wayne Boyd has been the same humble person all of these years.  He has worked hard and I'll be happy to continue to support his music.  Be sure to check out his other music.  A personal favorite of mine has always been "Learning To Dance."

So it looks like I'll be watching The Voice as Craig Wayne Boyd teams up with Blake Shelton and hopefully put some real country music back into the scene.

Glen Campbell - I'll Be Me movie release

On October 24, 2014, the story of music legend of Glen Campbell will be told through the movie "Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me."  It will showcase his life, music, and accomplishing a 151 city farewell tour to music fans while battling Alzheimer's disease.

The film features a wide variety of folks in multiple genres.  You'll see Vince Gill, Jimmy Webb (who has written quite a few of Campbell's greatest hits), Blake Shelton, Bruce Springsteen, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Steve Martin, Edge, Paul McCartney, and more.

"Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me" is directed by James Keach and produced by Trevor Albert and James Keach.

One of the stops on that large tour was Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in September 2011.  (Read review here.)  I was there and it was bittersweet seeing him play.  It was early in that tour and he was just beginning to show the signs of Alzheimer's.  Even though he had to have the words in front of him, the one thing that floored me the most is that he never forgot how to elegantly play the guitar.  It was therapeutic to watch him play.  At the end of the show, he did two songs for the encore with the last being "A Better Place."

Below is a preview of the film.  Find out more and where it will be released at http://glencampbellmovie.com.

Food Network coming to Zanzabar

Zanzabar - From Get Out Louisville

Back in April, I got to see Sturgill Simpson at Louisville's Zanzabar.  {Check out review here.} Let me tell you a little secret - their tater tots are legendary.  I absolutely love them.  I don't know what they season them with or what the secret to happiness is inside those amazing tater tots, but they are really good alongside a grilled cheese sandwich as you listen to some good tunes.

Someone over at Food Network must have got a hint of the goodness of the cooking of food and tunes that Zanzabar has to offer.  The tv show, "Off Beat Eats," will be on hand, Tuesday, September 9th, 2014 to film a special inside.  

According to Zanzabar's Facebook Page: "Hey guys, the food network is filming a TV show here tomorrow at Zanzabar. The show is called Off Beat Eats, and will air on the cooking channel in late October or early November. If you would like to be a part of it, come for lunch 11am-2pm and/or dinner 4pm-6pm. Tell any regulars or friends you think I may have missed."

So there you have it...if you are in the Louisville area, go see the fine folks over at Zanzabar and perhaps get on tv.  You can also play one of the many pinball machines, including Dolly Parton.

Remembering country music legend Vern Gosdin

80 years ago today, Vern Gosdin was born in Woodland, Alabama. He would be known for his nickname "The Voice" as he had a distinguishable vocals when he sang.  You believed the sorrow that he sang and the lonesome soul.

Vern Gosdin grew up singing in church and would sing on the Birmingham station WVOK with his brothers.  He formed the Gosdin Brothers with his brother Rex.  They would hit the charts in the 60s before retiring in the 1970s.  His first top 10 hit would be "Yesterday's Gone" with the harmony vocals of Emmylou Harris.

Gosdin would make a comeback with hit songs, "Dream of Me," "Today My World Slipped Away," "If You're Gonna Do Me Wrong (Do It Right)," and "Way Down Deep."

At the age of 50 years old in 1984, Vern Gosdin would gain his first number one hit with "I Can Tell By the Way You Dance (You're Gonna Love Me Tonight)."  He gained more successful tunes with "Do You Believe Me Now," and "Set 'Em Up Joe."

In 1989, Vern Gosdin and Max D. Barnes won Song of the Year from the CMA for "Chiseled in Stone."

The Voice was silenced on April 28, 2009, at the age of 74, due to a stroke.  However, his music and legacy lives on among fans of traditional country music.

I do believe Vern Gosdin has earned his spot into the Country Music Hall of Fame.  I hope that one day that he will be featured among other legendary artists in the field of country music.

Emi Sunshine: Crafting the art of mountain soul in music

I love it when I stumble across a musician or act that turns my head.  They make me immediately start telling others about them.  Earlier this year, I was down in Gatlinburg and remember seeing a young girl singing alongside a band.  Her vocals were unique, country, and just innocent.

Speed forward to a few weeks ago, one of my friends posted the video of Emi Sunshine.  I immediately recognized those vocals and yep, there she was!

During my Nashville News Roundup yesterday, I mentioned that folks should take listen to EmiSunshine.  Little did I know until this morning, Emi Sunshine will be making her Grand Ole Opry debut on August 5, 2014.  

Her honesty and innocence in her vocals reminds me of Emmylou Harris and June Carter Cash.  And she is a sassy little dresser.  Coming from east Tennessee, you get the sense of heritage from the Great Smoky Mountains of the craft of songwriting and playing music.  Not only does she write, she sings, plays multiple instruments.

Go check her out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/emisunshinemusic and over at Reverb Nation at www.reverbnation.com/emisunshine.  She also has a Youtube Channel - click here to listen.

I believe after the Grand Ole Opry, more folks will be seeing what many of us have seen in person and online.  

I will leave you with this Facebook quote by EmiSunshine: "A nice lady asked me to write more personal stuff and be a bit more like Taylor Swift. She asked mostly I think to help me. To be more popular. To be a success. I appreciate that. However..... I'm not gonna fit in a mold. I'm eccentric, whimsical and prone to sit in a room with nothing but Jimmy Rogers and me and a bunch of instruments. I listen to the Louvin Brothers and The Carter Family, to Johnny and June. Then there are days filled with Matt Woods, Kevin Abernathy and Jim Lauderdale , days with Mike Farris and Buddy & Julie Miller, days of The Black Crowes and Shooter Jennings! I wear old clothes and new clothes and vintage hats and bandana's and I love having my hair done and nails and make up and GLITTER and I'd rather play music than anything on earth. I pray and I believe, I love my family and my Church. And I love you guys.... So that's me! Take me as I am.... I sing Dolly, Tanya, CCR and Johnny, and I sing me! Their music makes me who I am..., they paved this road I'm just walking my way to the other side!"

Why do we have cover songs at concerts?

Jamey Johnson - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

I cannot count the number of times I have been fortunate to see Jamey Johnson in concert in almost 10 years.  Several thousand photos, guitar picks handed to me, photo books, memories, laughter, sadness, friendships, and much more gained in those years.  Something struck me though as I reflected back on those concerts.

Preservation.

There is a difference of doing a cover song just for the heck of and to get people to sing along and doing a cover song to preserve the quality and introduce that song to perhaps someone that has never heard of it.

There are quite a few songs that I love, but after hearing so many horrible cover versions, I cringe when an artist inserts them into their show.  Think about the last few concerts that you have been to.  Did you hear any of the following: Folsom Prison Blues, Wagon Wheel, Dixieland Delight, Friends in Low Places, Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way, etc? In one week, I heard Folsom Prison Blues 5 times - 3 of them being all 3 acts at the concert.

Dig deep in that catalog of musical selections.  Bring out a song that ties into what you are singing, your life, your message.  Preserve that song and re-introduce it to your audience.

Jamey Johnson has sung many of a cover song of George Jones, Merle Haggard, Mel Tillis, David Allan Coe, and many more.  He even pulled out Nirvana's "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" into a very haunting rendition.  

What is it? Is it the southern country drawl in the vocals?  Is it the wailing sound of the steel guitars?  Why is it that we love these cover songs?  Perhaps it is because they are necessarily preserving history of music one note at a time.

Take listen the next time you are at a show and your favorite artist sings a cover song.  And for the record - could we just retire the annoying covers of Wagon Wheel?

Concert Review: Oak Ridge Boys at Renfro Valley

Oak Ridge Boys at Renfro Valley - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

History is always being made when it comes to the Oak Ridge Boys.  Saturday night at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center was no exception to that.  This year, Renfro Valley is celebrating 75 years of honoring music.  Throughout the night, Joe Bonsall would provide little tidbits of information and history through the life and times of the Oak Ridge Boys.  Even after 41 years of playing, they are still strong and hopefully continue to play for even more.  

ORB Tidbit: Did you know that they have sold over 41 million albums worldwide?  Because of the world wide distribution of the latest live album, the Oak Ridge Boys version of "American Made" is currently number one in Portugal. 

Waylon Jennings and the Kentucky Wildcats

Back in time in 1988, Waylon Jennings, as well as his wife Jessi Colter and son Shooter Jennings, who was 9 years old at the time, invited some pretty cool guests to their home.  Those guests were the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team.  They were visiting Nashville to take on Vanderbilt University.  What did they have for dinner? Well ribs covered in Waylon Jennings west Texas style bbq sauce of course.  They also had a special cake done up and you can see it in the video from the Eddie Sutton Show.

To this day, Shooter Jennings has been a fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats.  He is known to visit the area as Judd Films have filmed several of his videos in and around Lexington.  He also produced Lexington, Ky natives, Fifth on the Floor, album, "Ashes and Angels."

The Power of Love and Prayer with Joey and Rory

Photo by Angela Talley

If there ever was a story of love, country living, and family, it could be written about Joey and Rory.  The country music duo's love story is one of faith, family, and friends.  If you haven't done so, you need to bookmark Rory's blog, This Life I Live.

In the recent blog, Rory depicts the story of his wife, Joey, going for a doctor visit after the visit of their beautiful baby, Indiana Boon Feek, and finding out that she has cervical cancer.  She had surgery and thankfully the doctors revealed that she will not have to have chemotherapy or radiation for the cervical cancer. 

“Yes, it has been quite a year for us so far,” wrote Rory. “In the past six months, God has taken us places we never dreamed we would go. It’s been terrifying and thrilling all at the same time. We never know what tomorrow will bring . . . none of us do. But what an incredible journey life is. We are just going to continue to trust Him and hold to each other and . . . pedal, pedal!”

Something that is amazing in this journey that Joey + Rory have shared with readers, they have not once asked for help financially.  They have asked simply for prayer.  I always believe in "pay it forward" and I know that medical costs can get high, especially when you are a musician.  I encourage you to check out Joey + Rory website and their merchandise store.  Purchase their music, perhaps buy their dvd of their wonderful tv show, read delicious recipes out of Joey's cookbook, and more.  Feel free to take a trip down to Marcy Jo's, their restaurant in Pottsville, TN, for some home cooking.

Be sure to subscribe to Rory's blog, This Life I Live, and receive updates. The photos & stories they share are just beautiful and showcase the simple things in life we sometimes take for granted.

If you like what you read here, be sure to follow me on Facebook.

Story behind Craig Campbell's guitar strap

One of my favorite things to do while at a concert or watching a music video is to see the guitar strap. It has become a game of searching for a particular style. That particular style is that of my friend Cody Hixon of Great Point Custom Leatherworks. He has made quite a few guitar straps, belts, journals, and other leather goods with his own personal touch over the years. 

I've been fortunate to have been there when he has given some of the artists their guitar straps. Justin Moore comes to mind as he has 6 or 7 of Cody Hixon's guitar straps. Justin also has Cody to make guitar straps for his tour mates, so Jon Pardi and Dustin Lynch also have his creations after their final stop in Corbin, Kentucky, a year ago.  From George Strait to Brantley Gilbert to Willie Nelson to Jamey Johnson, many folks have been outfitted thanks to Cody Hixon.

One artist that has one of his straps that I have seen quite a bit in videos is Craig Campbell. Several of us went to Country Throwdown Tour Series stop in Knoxville, Tennessee. Cody and I got to meet Craig after his set and he presented it to him. Craig was impressed with the craftsmanship. These days I see photos from others and videos of Craig and there he is, sporting that strap. I will say that Craig was very nice and humble to meet.  With his songs and personality, there is truth, heart, and hard work that goes into his music.  He is one artist that I'm happy to tell others about. 

Here is one of those acoustic videos for Craig Campbell's latest hit song, Keep Them Kisses Coming.

You can check out more of Cody Hixon's leatherwork over at www.greatpointcustomleatherworks.com.  Find out more on Craig Campbell at http://craigcampbell.tv.

Support Good Music: Whitey Morgan to record new album with help from fans

When you want to hear a good country music song, you will want to turn to the music of Whitey Morgan.  I heard about Whitey Morgan several years ago and have been fortunate to see him live a few times.  He's going to be trekking through Kentucky in July for a series of dates.  I HIGHLY recommend you seeing him live in concert.  {Click here for review.} He is entertaining with not only his vocals, guitar picking, songwriting, and has a great beard.  {If you know me, I always love a good beard.}

I am a supporter of helping others with their music projects when they want to do things on their own.  Being a musician is rough and you never know what to expect.   You might have a handful of people at your show or you might have hundreds or thousands at your show.

Whitey Morgan is hoping to make $30,000 with his Kickstarter fund to record an album without any support from a record label.  To me, that is quite low amount to ask the fans to help get this music out there to folks.  {Look at JoDee Messina who asked for $200,000.}

You can donate at various amounts and there are some cool packages at the different levels.  Click here for complete details. Whitey Morgan has until June 29th to reach his goal and he is less than $5000 of reaching it.  Let's lend a hand and donate to this great cause!

Be sure to also check out his website www.whiteymorgan.com. 

Like what you read? Be sure to check me out on Facebook & Twitter.

Josh Osborne added to US 23 Country Music Highway

Black River Publishing’s GRAMMY-winning songwriter Josh Osborne was honored in his hometown this week in celebration of the joint resolution passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate adding the Kentucky native’s name to the US 23 Country Music Highway in Pike County. The home state honor was hosted on Wednesday by the Highway District 12 of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and occurred as Josh has four singles are almost entirely in the Top 20 on the country music chart.

“This was truly an honor for us,” shared State Rep. Leslie Combs. “To be able to do this in honor of Josh, and what he has accomplished, is a tremendous honor for us and one of the greatest ones we’ve had.”

During the official ceremony at Shelby Valley High School, Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford honored the alumnus with an additional presentation. 

“Where we go and what we do around this country, we are ambassadors of where we come from,” stated Pike County Judge Rutherford. “Before I left the office today, I signed an executive order declaring this [June 11] as “Josh Osborne Day, Pike County Kentucky.”

“Growing up on Country Music Highway, knowing how much all those artists have influenced and inspired me, and now to think that I am even a small part of that heritage means the world to me,” shared Josh. “I honestly don't think any honor could mean more to me.”

Upon accepting these great honors, an emotional Osborne stated, “When something like this happens, and you reach a milestone, you kind of think. ‘How did I get here?’ I look around the room, and I know how I got here, so I thank all of you.”

Among the hometown crowd was Black River Entertainment’s CEO, Gordon S. Kerr; VP of Black River Publishing, Celia Froehlig; and other staff members. Also in attendance at the official ceremony was GRAMMY award winner and 2014 ACM Songwriter of the Year, Shane McAnally (Downtown, Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye) and ACM, CMA and GRAMMY nominated songwriter Brandy Clark (Better Dig Two, Mama's Broken Heart). Both close friends and co-writers of Osborne, the two of them joined Josh at the Hilton Garden Inn that evening to perform a songwriter’s round sponsored by Johnson Industries, benefiting The Pike County Schools’ K.I.D.S. initiative.

The home state honor comes on the heels of Josh’s astonishing eight weeks of having five singles in the top 30 on the country music chart. Currently, Josh’s singles include Blake Shelton’s "My Eyes," closely followed by "We Are Tonight," Billy Currington; "Chainsaw," The Band Perry; and Eli Young Band's, "Dust."

Songs written or co-written by Josh Osborne
Around For a Reason - Jason Greeley
Bad Habit - Sarah Darling
Born That Way - Jason Greeley
Break What's Broken - Charlie Worsham
Chainsaw - The Band Perry
Come Over - Kenny Chesney
Drunk Last Night - Eli Young Band
Dust - Eli Young Band
Feel Good Summer Song - Scotty McCreery
Fill In the Blank - Greg Bates
Fuzzy - Randy Rogers Band
Get a Life - Jason Greeley
Hold You To It - Chris Young
It's Your World - Tim McGraw
Keep It To Yourself - Kacey Musgraves
Leave the Night On - Sam Hunt
Live Our Lives - Jason Greeley
Merry Go Round - Kacey Musgraves
My Eyes - Blake Shelton
Neon - Chris Young
Runnin' Out of Air - Love & Theft
Text Me Texas - Chris Young
The Boy Never Stays - Sarah Darling
Tie It Up - Kelly Clarkson
Usually - Jason Greeley
Wake Up Lovin' You - Craig Morgan
We Are Tonight - Billy Currington
You Never Know - Sara Evans

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Hank 3 at Mercury Ballroom Review and Photos

I have gone to hundreds of concerts, interviewed quite a few folks, photographed shows, and met many. Hands down I can say Hank III was the most humbling experience. Check out my interview with him by clicking here. This would be my second time seeing him play in concert.  The first time was in Lexington, Ky at Busters.  I was on the front row for that show.  This time it was Mercury Ballroom in Louisville, Kentucky.  The venue was very nice and all of the staff were very helpful.  I'll talk about the venue setup, then the show itself. 

Alan Jackson 25th Anniversary Plans

This morning Alan Jackson announced that he is doing a major tour in 2015 for his 25th anniversary in country music.  The Country Music Hall of Fame will have a special Alan Jackson exhibit to open August 29th. They will also host the artist in residence program at the Country Music Hall of Fame on October 8 and October 22 at the Hall of Fame.

During the broadcast on his website, you could send out tweets and they would post them on the website, as well as there at the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Needless to say, I took advantage of it. You can see my tweetbombs on the screen behind Mike Duncan and the other guy. ;)

I have lost count how many times I've seen him in concert. From the KY State Fair to the Corbin Arena to Rupp Arena to a little all over.  I remember during "Where I Come From" they showed clips of around town and they had a clip of my ole truck with John Deere stickers all on the back rolling through Lexington. 

Out of all of the songs he's done, I have to say the tune that Erin Enderlin penned, "Monday Morning Church" is one of my favorites.  This is what country music is about.

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Way Out Here with Josh Thompson

Josh Thompson at WFKY Froggy Field Party in 2010. Photo by Jessica Blankenship

The month of May I seem to want to shut off from the world ever since 2010.  It would be the month my nephews & niece would be forced to celebrate Mother's Day without their mom.  It would be the month she should be blowing out the candles of her birthday cake.  It would be the month I should be celebrating my wedding anniversary.  However, instead of being a month of celebrations, it would be a month of memories.  Some good, some bad.  In 2010, my sister in law passed away the first of June.  I would also get a divorce.  Last May, we lost my grandma.

Not only do we have the memories, we also have the songs that keep us going.  You know of songs in your personal life that take you back or help you get through the hard times.  Two songs come to mind.  First would be The Band Perry's "If I Die Young."  I remember my sister in law being the one to tell me about the song just a week before her passing.  I remember her saying that it was a powerful song that she knows will go to #1.  In May of 2011 a year later the Band Perry would be certified Platinum for that song.

The other song would be Josh Thompson's "Way Out Here."  It was the one song that while traveling with my nephews they would sing.  It described our family.

We won't take a dime if we ain't earned it

When it comes to weight brother we pull our own

If it's our backwoods way of livin' you're concerned with

You can leave us alone

We're about John Wayne, Johnny Cash and John Deere

Way out here

In July 2010, Josh Thompson would play at the WFKY Froggy Field Party.  I was honored to be able to sit down and have a conversation with Josh.  I had interviewed him before, but this time was different.  I rarely share my personal stories of a song with a songwriter.  But this time was different and I was able to thank him for that song.  It is one of those conversations and his kind words that made me a life long fan of his music.

Friday night, Josh Thompson will be playing at 4th Street Live in Louisville and I'll definitely be there.  Next week marks 4 years since we lost my sister in law. Thankfully we have good memories, as well as good music to help us get through the hard times.

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